71 days ago

Here's what you need to know before making an offer on a house

Hira Siddiqui from Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau

🏠 What is the neighbourhood like?
Familiarise yourself with the neighbourhood, to check accessibility to public transport, schools and shops. Visit the street at different times of day, to find out how quiet or noisy it gets. Check with the local council whether they know of any future developments in the area that could increase noise or traffic.
🏠 How much are the rates and insurance?
Do a property search on the local council’s website to see what the rates are.
You can also get quotes from insurers to find out what it might cost to insure it.
Check whether the homeowner is paying off the cost of installing insulation or heating units through their rates, because you will inherit that debt if you buy the house.
🏠 For a unit title, check the pre-contract disclosure
If the property is on a unit title development (for example, an apartment), ask to see the pre-contract disclosure. This is basic information about the unit and the unit title development.
🏠 Get a LIM (Land Information Memorandum) report
A LIM report tells you everything the local council knows about the land and the buildings, for example, what building consents and code compliance certificates they have issued for work done on the property.
🏠 Pre-purchase building inspection
Get an independent building inspector to examine the house thoroughly and look for potential problems with weather-tightness, wiring, plumbing or the foundations (piles).
Ask them to check for features that might make maintenance more difficult. For example, some types of wall claddings need specialist knowledge to maintain, access to the gutters might not be straightforward, and retaining walls can be expensive to repair.
🏠 Check the property title
Ask a lawyer or conveyancer to check the property title for things like easements. For example, an easement might allow a neighbour to access part of the property. The property title should also confirm the property boundary.
More information is on the Settled website:
www.settled.govt.nz...
Image credit: Ray White New Zealand
Info credit: Citizens Advice Bureau: cab.org.nz

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

I'm sure you've seen it while doing your weekly shop... In fact, it may have even been you.

What do you think about people heading to the supermarket in their pyjamas?

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Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?
  • 16.3% It's fine!
    16.3% Complete
  • 74.5% It's questionable
    74.5% Complete
  • 9.2% Other - I'll share below
    9.2% Complete
411 votes
24 days ago

Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?

The Doctors

Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.

For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.

Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
Find out more

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How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
  • 40.6% I prefer booking online whenever possible
    40.6% Complete
  • 21.6% Online booking is helpful but not essential
    21.6% Complete
  • 34.6% I prefer calling the clinic
    34.6% Complete
  • 3.1% I didn’t know online booking was available
    3.1% Complete
1446 votes
3 days ago

What is the meaning of this?!

The Neighboury Riddler

Cast your eyes at this picture below and see if you know this common idiom.

Simply 'Like' this post if you think you know the answer, and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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